Cabinet approves introduction of bill to amend POA

CABINET has approved in principle the introduction of a bill in Parliament to amend the Public Order Act chapter 113 of the Laws of Zambia.

Chief Government Spokes person Chushi Kasanda said Cabinet indicated that the amendment of the Public Or der Act is necessary to devel op a framework that regulates public assemblies, processions and meetings anchored on constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights and freedoms.

Ms Kasanda said this deci sion was made by Cabinet at the ninth Cabinet meeting that President Hakainde Hichilema called yesterday at State House to discuss general policy issues.

She said the POA has gone through a number of amend ments in response to emerg ing issues largely attributed to changes in political and social dynamics in the country’s gov ernance systems.

Ms Kasanda, who is also In formation and Media Minister, said in view of public outcry and court proceedings over the provisions and implementa tion of the POA, the new dawn administration has opted to re view the Act in its entirety, and come up with a sound legisla tion which will not only stand the test of time but also one that promotes the public good.

She also said Cabinet ap proved the hosting of the eighth African Federation of Institutes of International Au ditors Conference to be held from May 23-27th, 2022 in Liv ingstone with the Institute of Internal Auditors.

Ms Kasanda said this was in line with promoting tourism, that the country should be hosting regional and interna tional conferences.